Showing posts with label Esther. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Esther. Show all posts

Thursday, October 22, 2015

I Wish We’d All Been Ready Now Think On This by Steve Martin

I Wish We’d All Been Ready
Now Think On This
by Steve Martin


“Upon being told what Ester had said, Mordekhai asked them to give Ester this answer: “Don’t suppose that merely because you happen to be in the royal palace you will escape any more than the other Jews. For if you fail to speak up now, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from a different direction; but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows whether you didn’t come into your royal position precisely for such a time as this.” 
(Esther 4:12-14 Complete Jewish Bible)


As we drove back from the Wednesday night  Bible study at MorningStar, where Tom Hardiman had begun a month long series on eschatology (end times), my son Ben spoke of waking up the previous morning with the DC Talk song in his head, “I Wish We’d All Been Ready.” That was cool. I remember waking up 46 years ago with the Larry Norman song in my head, “I Wish We’d All Been Ready.” (Larry wrote that classic way back in 1969 and had it first recorded on the album I bought in 1970 called Upon This Rock. I then bought the cassette. Probably the CD too. And yes, the MP3 is on my smartphone.)

Be that as it may…I hope you and I are ready.

These times are a changin’. Somewhere that sounds like another song lyric. (If you know, please fill me in. Thanks.) We are living in times like no other. The world as we once knew it is gone. What used to be is no more. What will come, well, you better find out so you too are ready.

In Esther’s time (her Hebrew name was Hadassah) she was placed in a strategic appointed position by the Lord God to help save the Jews from extermination. Today that day of deliverance is annually celebrated as Purim, in the spring by the Jewish people. It once again acknowledges another time of protection and deliverance, given for and to them by the awesome Living God of Israel. 

Often throughout the recorded documents of truth, found in the historical centuries of life beginning with Father Abraham, living in the very promised land of Israel, Yahweh has kept in existence His chosen people. They have been revealed as demonstrations, testaments and further undeniable proof of His own existence (as if creation itself was not enough) and for this current time, during the fulfillment of His end time plans and purposes.

No other nation or people group, since the creation of the world, has survived the destruction, displacement, or rampant displeasure placed upon them. And yet, as another living reality of His immense heart, their God, the same for those of us grafted into their olive tree, has returned them to that land given to them by Himself, the Eternal Father.

And now too, for such a time as this, Christians are being called upon to stand beside our brothers and sisters in the Land of Eretz Israel. We have been chosen to support and defend, with our mouths, with our written words, and no less our wallets, the Jewish nation, both in Israel and those yet to return (by making aliyah).

Because of the tremendous debt we owe to the Jewish people we can do no less. Through them was birthed the Messiah, Jesus the Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, born in Bethlehem as prophesied by Micah centuries prior. Through them, the Bible (Torah), inspired by the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh), came to us. Moses (Hebrew - Moshe), the prophets, Daniel (Hebrew - same), Ezekiel (Hebrew - same), Matthew (Matityahu), Mark Mordechai), James (Yaakov), John (Yochahnahn) and Paul (Tzuar) – all Jews – heard the word, wrote the word, and because of their faithfulness we have it in our hands today, bringing life in our daily faith walk.

These times we live in are the fulfillment of the prophetic events they saw and declared. We get to experience what it is to be a part of the One New Man, the future Bride of Christ, that Jesus (Yeshua) is coming back for. After gathering many peoples, from all the nations around the world, our hope and trust is founded on that, His Word revealed to us.

I ask you to be saved in your spirit, soul and body, through the salvation only found in Jesus’ atoning Blood, sacrificed on the cross for each of us. Then you too will be ready, for such a time as this.

That is my prayer for you today.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People. Inc.

P.S. We sure could use your help to bless the families we do in Israel, India, Pakistan, Vietnam and the hurting ones here in the USA. Please give out of the abundance you have been given.

P.S.S. Thank the Lord too for Larry and the former members of DC Talk!

In May, 2106, my wife Laurie and I will be traveling to Israel to spend time we our friends. We support them in word and deed.

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Now Think On This #194 “I Wish We’d All Been Ready” by Steve Martin 
Date: In the year of our Lord 2015 (10.22.15) Thursday at 7:15 am in Charlotte, NC

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This



I Wish We’d All Been Ready – Larry Norman, 1969

Life was filled with guns and war
And all of us got trampled on the floor
I wish we'd all been ready

The children died, the days grew cold
A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold
I wish we'd all been ready

There's no time to change your mind
The son has come and you've been left behind

A man and wife asleep in bed
She hears a noise and
Turns her head, he's gone
I wish we'd all been ready

Two men walking up a hill
One disappears and
One's left standing still
I wish we'd all been ready

There's no time to change your mind
The son has come and you've been left behind

The father spoke, the demons dined
How could you have been so blind?

There's no time to change your mind
The son has come and you've been left behind
There's no time to change your mind
The son has come and you've been left behind

I hope we'll all be ready
You've been left behind
You've been left behind
You've been left behind

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Israel Photo Trivia ✡ "They Ascended and Spied Out the Land" - Israel365

They ascended and spied out the Land.... and he arrivedat Hebron.

NUMBERS (13:21,22)
 

וַיַּעֲלוּ וַיָּתֻרוּ אֶת הָאָרֶץ ... וַיָּבֹא עַד חֶבְרוֹן

בְּמִדְבַּר יג:כא,כב

va-ya-a-lu va-ya-tu-ru et ha-a-retz... va-ya-vo ad khev-ron

Today's Israel Inspiration

Today's verses describe a very special detour taken by the righteous Caleb, who was part of the team sent to spy out the Land. Caleb desperately wanted to avoid the slander of the spies, so he took quick action and prayed for spiritual strength at the tomb of Abraham in Hebron. Today, Hebron remains the place where thousands pour out their hearts in prayer in the merit of the patriarchs and matriarchs buried there. Support the The Hebron Fund this Purim, and gladden the hearts of the small Jewish community and the IDF soldiers who protect them in Hebron.
 

Purim Story Unveiled

Learn the story of the upcoming festival of Purim in this dynamic 4 minute video. Esther's heroism saved the Jews and taught eternal lessons relevant to our times.
 

Commemorating Victims of 1929 Hebron Massacre

The new Hebron Heritage Museum commemorates the victims of the 1929 massacre, in which 67 Jews were killed in a terror attack. Recently, a special visitor to the museum paid tribute.
 

eBook of Esther (with audio)

Get ready for the festival of Purim and learn to read the Book of Esther in Hebrew! In our eBook of Esther with audio, the full text of Esther is layed out in two columns, in English and Hebrew, together with videos of a Jewish cantor chanting each chapter.

Israel Photo Trivia

Can you name Israel's northern mountain shown in this beautiful photo byYehoshua HaleviSend me an email or post your answer on Facebook!
 

Thank You

Today's Scenes and Inspiration is sponsored by Jonathan Young from Columbus, Ohio. Toda Raba!
 

“Among My Favorites”

It’s great to hear from so many of you - stay in touch and let us know where in the world you are enjoying Israel365!
 
Your I365 sites are among my favorites... As a student of prophecy we read of the return of Am Yisrael in the Christian Bible, and today we rejoice as we see the ancient promises actively being fulfilled, week by week... We continuously support you in our prayers, May you be strengthened with all might by the hand of the LORD, and be found to be as pleasing in His eyes as you are in ours! - Pastor Tom Belcher

Rabbi Tuly, thank you very much for updating us with what is going on. May God bless Israel and the glory of God be with Israel. - Stellah Matukwamba
Shalom,
Rabbi Tuly Weisz
RabbiTuly@Israel365.com
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Friday, February 20, 2015

The Secret Meaning Behind Queen Esther ✡ "That is Esther"

And he had brought up Hadassah, that is Esther.

ESTHER (2:7)
 

וַיְהִי אֹמֵן אֶת הֲדַסָּה הִיא אֶסְתֵּר

אסתר ב:ז

va-y'-hee o-mayn et ha-da-sa hee es-tayr

Jerusalem Inspiration

Esther is the name that comes to mind as the Jewish heroine of the Purim story, however, in the Megillah, we find that her given name is actually Hadassah. Why was Esther's name changed, and why has the second name gone down in fame throughout history? If we look at the meaning of the word Esther, we can see why. Esther comes from the Hebrew root se-ter, סתר which means secret.  The miracle of Purim was intertwined with the hidden hand of God 'pulling the strings' throughout the story. Esther embodied the idea of hidden and revealed, how that which is evident to the naked eye does not always represent the full story. The Master of the World is the hidden force behind every salvation, and Esther merited the role in history to orchestrate that salvation.
 

Purim Animated

Get ready for the holiday of Purim! This unique video tells the story of the Jewish salvation in pictures.
 

Read 'Intergalactic Judaism'

Rabbi David Lister's riveting book "Intergalactic Judaism", seeks to investigate and enhance our understanding of the Torah in the light of the revelations of modern science, using these discoveries as a commentary on Biblical imagery.
 

'Intergalactic Judaism'

'Intergalactic Judaism' analyzes biblical metaphors with the aid of modern scientific advances in space exploration, physics, biology, and astronomy. It seeks to investigate and enhance readers’ understanding of the Torah in light of the revelations of modern science.

Jerusalem Daily Photo

Jerusalem hide and seek knows no age limit, by Aaron Hyman. Purim is the holiday that celebrates both the hidden and the revealed.
 

Thank You

Today's Jerusalem Scenes and Inspiration is sponsored by Robert Craven from Canton, Ohio. Toda Raba!
 

“Looking Forward to the Many Wonderful Emails

It’s great to hear from you and make new friends from all over the world. Please send mean email and let me know how you are enjoying Jerusalem365 (don’t forget to say where you are from!).
  Hello, I've just joined Jerusalem 365, and I'm looking forward to the many wonderful emails! I live in Grants Pass, Oregon. The church I attend prays every week for the peace of Jerusalem. We love Israel and her people! Thanks for the emails! God bless you! -Cheryl McElroy
Blessing from Jerusalem,
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RabbiTuly@Israel365.com
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Thank You for Signing Up for the Jerusalem365 emails.

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Sunday, March 23, 2014

"Purim Wars" - Purim original play by Curtis Loftin of Beit Yeshua (#4 of 4) - a Star Wars spoof


An original play by Curtis & Carolyn Loftin of Beit Yeshua.



"Purim Wars" - Purim original play by Curtis Loftin of Beit Yeshua (#4 of 4)

March 21, 2014 in Lincolnton, NC

Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.














Saturday, March 15, 2014

Alex Levin - Purim Paintings

Alex Levin of Tel Aviv, Israel has created beautiful paintings. Here are two selections, depicting the Purim Celebration. 

Grandfather and granddaughter walking to 
Purim celebration in Jerusalem

All dressed up for Purim, commemorating the Lord's deliverance 
from extermination during the time of 
Esther (Hadassah) and Mordecai 
in the Persian Empire days.


Al of Alex's painting can be seen/purchased here: Alex Levin website


Thursday, March 13, 2014

Happy Purim Israel and Around the World this weekend! (Israel365 photo)

The Jews had gladness and joy, 

a feast and a holiday.

ESTHER (8:17)

שִׂמְחָה וְשָׂשׂוֹן לַיְּהוּדִים מִשְׁתֶּה וְיוֹם טוֹב

אסתר ח:יז


sim-KHA vi-sa-SON la-yi-hu-DEEM mish-TE vi-YOM tov


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Purim Celebration - The Historical Story of Hadassah/Esther & Mordecai

Purim Celebration - 
The Historical Story 
of Hadassah/Esther 
& Mordecai

The word "Purim" means "lots" and thus refers to the lottery that Haman chose for the date of massacre. Thus Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar, which is usually observed in the month of March. The 13th of Adar is the day which Haman chose for the extermination of the Jews, and it is on that day only when that the Jews battled their enemies for their lives. Thus on the 14th, they celebrated joyously for their survival. 

Thus the cities that were walled at the time of Joshua, Purim is observed on the 15th of the month, because the book of Esther says that in Shushan (a walled city), deliverance from the massacre would not be completed until the next day. Thus the 15th day is referred to as Shushan Purim.

However a leap year can witness two months of Adar, thus Purim is observed in the second month of Adar, so it is always one month before Passover. The 14th day of the first Adar in a leap year is thus celebrated as a minor holiday called Purim Katan, which means "little Purim". Though there are no specific observances for Purim Katan; however, a person should celebrate the holiday without mourning or fasting.In fact some other communities also observe the "Purim Katan" on the anniversary when their community was saved from a catastrophe, evil, destruction or oppression.

The Purim holiday is generally preceded by a minor fast, the Fast of Esther, which honors the Esther's three days of fasting which was observedas a preparation for her meeting with the king. Further, custom and tradition that are observed related to Purim is to hear the reading of the book of Esther. The book of Esther is commonly known as the Megillah, which means scroll. Although there are five books of Jewish scripture that are collectively referred to as Megillahs (Esther, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations), this is the one which people usually refer to when they speak of the Megillah.

Moreover it further customary to boo, hiss, stamp feet and rattle the gragers (noisemakers) whenever the name of Haman is mentioned for the whole purpose of this custom is to "blot out the name of Haman".

Purim HamentaschenOther customs which are well associated with the observance of Purim is that of feasting, drinking and that of merry-making. For according to the Talmud, a person should drink until he cannot point out the difference between a "cursed be Haman" and a "blessed be Mordecai", though opinions may vary from person to person.

Again a person certainly should not become so drunk that he may violate other commandments or can get seriously ill. However there is an exemption for those recovering alcoholics or others who may suffer serious harm from alcohol.

In addition to the feasting and merry-making customs, sending out gifts of food or drink have also become a customary affair.Thus the sending of gifts of food and drink is referred to as shalach manos (sending out portions). Moreover amongst the Ashkenazic Jews, a common treat at this time of year is that of the hamantaschen (Haman's pockets). These triangular fruit-filled cookies are the replica of Haman's three-cornered hat.

Making charity can also be referred as a common custom observed during Purim. Other customary affair observed in order to celebrate Purim is to hold carnival-like celebrations.Various plays and parodies are also performed in order to entertain the present audience and many beauty contests are also held. Thus it can be said that sometimes Americans refer to Purim as the Jewish Mardi Gras.

Source: The Holiday Spot

Read more at http://www.theholidayspot.com/purim/purim_customs_and_observances.htm#1qK9s45hCPu9CXMO.99